New Delhi:
Sticking to his words, Indian Olympic Association President Suresh Kalmadi distributed Rs 1 crore between India hockey players and support staff in Pune.
The cheques with varying individual payments were distributed by the Indian Olympic Association chief, who was accompanied by Hockey India adviser Anupam Gulati.
A crisis situation had developed on January 8 when the players refused to train at the camp insisting on advance payment of their dues from HI.
After failure of their talks with HI authorities, Kalmadi had successfully mediated to bring the players back on the field even as team sponsors Sahara India announced a release of Rs one crore for the striking campers.
Kalmadi assured players that "more funds will flow and money would not be a constraint" for hockey players and urged them to focus on their World Cup campaign starting next month.
He also said there would not be any difference in terms of payments between hockey and cricket players.
On Sunday AK Mattoo quit as Hockey India president but Kalmadi said he had not received his resignation.
Also Read:Mattoo resigns as Hockey India President